Former students of Wings School Cumbria have come forward with allegations that their complaints of abuse were ignored by the authorities. Ofsted’s emergency inspection in June found the physical intervention practice at the school to be excessive and harmful. Following the report, the school was shut down in July. Oakwood Solicitors is now handling almost 30 cases associated with Wings School alleging physical and sexual abuse.
Two of the former students allege they were viewed as “troublemakers” due to their history in care. Another, Harvey Benson, who is petitioning for CCTV in care home communal areas and bodycams for staff, claimed he reported staff members who acted “forceful and violent”, but police and authorities dismissed the allegations, calling youth troublemakers. The police have stated they are “working closely” with groups for their investigation.
The Kedleston Group, which ran Wings School, declined to comment on the allegations now being pursued by the police and the solicitors. In a statement, the spokesperson for the school said that the safety and wellbeing of children and young people were their top priority, adding that any concerns raised were taken seriously and reported to all relevant authorities.
An investigation into allegations of abuse is currently underway, but the university Professor of Psychology, Nadia Wager, argued that this case needs looking into by an independent body. Victim-blaming is a problem as it implies it is the victim’s fault, and predatory offenders tend to target victims who could be easily ignored or dismissed by the authorities.
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